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The 10 Paris Metro Stations You Should AVOID
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- Опубліковано 12 лип 2024
- Not all Metro Stations are great, some are really dirty or dangerous. Here are 10 that you should avoid.
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I was in Paris this past June, and the pickpocketing was attempted on me, but luckily my daughter disrupted their process as they were working as a team. At the same time, I was stopped by a Paris Metro Ticket Enforcement agent three times who were hidden in plain sight and only revealed themselves after we got on the train. It's a shame that they can't have a special unit like that to catch a pickpocket instead.
The ticket agents are in uniform. Are you sure those were for real and not scammers?
@@PozoBlue Parisian speaking here: Ticket enforcement agents also operate in plain uniform to catch by surprise fare dodgers as these people will be on the look for RATP agents in uniform
@@PozoBlue Not always in uniform.
Chateau Rouge
They do actually.
As someone who is currently on vacation in Paris, I gotta say, Châtelet isn't that bad. Sure, it's *massive*, but the signage is really good and I got used to it after a single day.
Châtelet is just the prime example of how Paris is all about walking, walking and walking~
Saint-Michel is even worse for that. Try to take the RER C and then the Métro line 10 and you'll understand. Additionally, people are crazily running in this station. Also, it's very windy, in winter it's pretty terrible. It couldn't be designed any worse.
If you are avoiding Anvers and going to Blanche when your goal is to roam around in Montmartre, change from Pigalle and go to Lamarck-Caulaincourt instead. You can start your Montmartre journey with Vla Léandre, see Buste de Dalida, pass through Rue de l'Abreuvoir, see La Maison Rose, visit Place du Tertre, and finally at Sacré-Cœur. This way you will completely avoid pickpockets as you will be traveling in the opposite direction than what typical tourists do and the route will be downhill - well most of it, if not all.
Good point!
It's funny for me to think that both my grandmothers were born in the same street, rue Caulaincourt.
Paris is to avoid these days! Too many north africans! Its not Paris anymore! Its Marrakech
Blanche is great for Montmartre visit. You come out at Moulin Rouge, go uphill for 20 minutes and when uphill, you just have to go straight down from the Sacré Coeur steps to Anvers. It's just the other way round from what all tourists do. However, like most things in Paris - this is not wheelchair accessible.
As a Parisian, I totally agree with your recommendations and alternative stations. Thank you so much for warning the visitors!
If everybody uses the alternative stations, they will become crowded too. Keep your secrets.
@@solangelauthier2381it’s not secret at all lol.
Parisians use the stations they must regardless if they are crappy and tourists will always use the stations that stop right next to the monuments instead of walking.
So it’s not gonna change much.
@@n0rmal953 Still no clue why you advertise Blanche for tourists who wish to visit the Sacre Coeur ? Anvers is the nearest station but unpleasant. Otherwise Pigalle or Barbès or Abbesses, certainly not Blanche.
@@solangelauthier2381 what ? When did I say anything about that though?
(I do take abesses a lot but the stairs or long wait for the elevator are annoying af)
What happened to Paris? from "ohlalá" vibes to "alhakbar" vibes.
Rambuteau is also a great alternative for Les Halles, you just have 5 minutes walk into a very vibrant neighborhood, you can see the very modern Centre Pompidou on your way, the fountain Stravinsky, lots of restaurant, brasseries and bar along the way if you want to take a break in the day. It's just straight ahead so you can't lose yourself (unless you want to). It's on the 11 subway, which gets you to Republique and Chatelet which are two big subway junction to reach every corner of Paris.
I was in Paris a few weeks ago, and used most of those. I actually loved using the Metro, my wife not so much. I found Anvers so convenient for us. Used that a few times. To experience Paris, you have to experience the Metro. Thanks for your great videos👍🏻
Paris also has buses. Advantages, the views, sightseeing, and the ability to get off if you see something interesting.
❤You guys are awesome❤
Absolutely agree!
We have never used the metro, opting for busses and the very occasional rideshare or taxi. Our experiences have been spectacular. Being above ground if we see something we want to explore it's pop off at the next exit.
Thank you so much!!
As a former Paris resident, this video is gold! Well done!
Excellent information. Some people will comment that there are "préjugés" but I agree 100% with The Frenchies, having been to Paris many many times and having been pickpocketed twice in the metro and my purse snatched once on the street near École Militaire. We have since avoided any physical contact with anyone who has unsollicitous approach. Have avoided numerous attempts.
It's not good to put precious things in a bag.
personally like trocadero for eiffel tower. instant (if crowded) view when you exit station with arguably longer walk but with the tower in view at all times
That Clingencourt station and the surrounding area, with the market, made us feel we had to be super aware of what was going on around us, but we went during the day, on a Sunday to a music club called LA Chope des Puces and it was single handedly the best thing I ever did in Paris. I would never NOT go there on any subsequent trip. It was that memorable and that fabulous.
As a native New Yorker, sometimes you just have to figure out how to try to keep yourself safe but not to let fear stop you from experiences that will stay with you forever--and figuring out how to be brave, but not foolish. Appearing fearful can also make you an easy target.
That restaurant in Les Puces is for tourists !
@@solangelauthier2381 The music is sublime. And the food we had was decent but we were there for the music
@@amymalina5073 It is a place for tourists !!! That music « sublime » ? You have never been to a concert of classical music, it seems…
@@solangelauthier2381 That was a club that was started by Django Reinhardt. That style of music was possibly the last important style of music to come out of France since the French impressionist composers. I would bet Debussy would have been open minded enough musically to appreciate the virtuosic musical ability on display at Les Puces. Probably Ravel too. Have a nice day. Peace
@@amymalina5073 !!!
I agree with some, but not all, of your recommendations. My least favorite station is Auber because the escalator is so long and so steep that I get vertigo and have to shut my eyes, which is a temptation for crooks. I was pick-pocketed at the Gare du Nord, but it can happen at any station with those glass doors that snap shut with your suitcase, backpack or handbag caught in the door. That street from the Anvers métro stop up to Montmartre has the best souvenir shops in Paris and I always stop there to get posters, mugs, coasters and even tapestries for friends back home. And while I love the Porte de Vanves flea market for shopping, the one at the Porte de Clignancourt is more atmospheric, including the little restaurants inside the market (mussels and white wine at lunch!) and the market for new merchandise between the subway and the antiques market has some great stuff.
Buying bad taste souvenirs made in China… Bring locally made things instead (food). And what the shops you mention (before you enter the Clignancourt flea market) sell is all extremely low quality.
@@solangelauthier2381 LOL - snob much? Those tapestries are made in France and some of that tourist stuff is fun! Let's see...what have I bought at the Porte de Clignancourt market? Several sets of hand-painted Moroccan tea glasses, a genuine leather purse and some summer blouses in linen from Italy. Maybe all of your handbags are Hermès and your clothes are designer but some of us don't have that kind of budget! So you buy what you like and I'll buy what I like, OK?
Very informative, as always. And very well timed, pre-Olympics.
Many thanks! 🙏
Good topic. Walking up to a landmark for the first time with the best framing can be a unforgettable experience.
True story, the Ecole Militaire ET reveal is awesome!!
Such helpful huts when visiting Paris! This is why I follow you two! You always come up with the best videos when visiting Paris - hoping to make it back soon 🥐🇫🇷❤
The best way to connect the 4 with the 6 is to do the transfer at Raspail, one of the quickest changes in all of Paris, and you will lose less time than going on foot to one line at the other.
Also the transfer is safer and less crowded in Raspail than in stations such as Denfert Rochereau.
In the six times I've been to Paris, I've never noticed any pickpockets. Not even in the metro. You also need to pay close attention and store your belongings properly.
correct!!
Pickpockets from eastern Europe and south America are indeed active where there are lot of tourists. Borned, raised, living in Paris : I was never pickpocketed, because I enforce basic rules : No wallet or smartphone in an easy to reach pocket ... and never in the back pocket of jeans !
@@Alex999ddParis If you don't look like a tourist, they won't see you anyway.
Never put money in a bag.
@@julosx I think you're right.
Quick advice : For Montparnasse, if you're coming from line 4 to take your train in Gare de Montparnasse, don't use the underground tunnel, but go outside instead. Take the exit 6 (rue d'Odessa). You can go directly to the train station, passing by the tour Montparnasse, without taking any undeground stairs or tunnels. It's so much faster and so much easier with your luggages.
Will try this next time, thank you 😀
Thank you, much appreciated!!! Had 1 attempted pick pocket in Paris before. This advice will be so helpful since we return soon. thank you again 🙂
Awesome, thank you
I'm good with public transport and can usually find my way around easily, but I'm with you - Les Halles is so easy to get lost in! I appreciate that the Paris Metro numbers its exits but there was on ethere I could not find for the life of me which was, of course, the one I needed - fortunately I just used another and had Google Maps re-route me.
As for Saint Lazare Station, I stayed near there, but ended up using the Europe station as it was closer to the hotel - Europe seemed nice enough but not ideal when one is hauling luggage after flying half way around the world as there's no escalators. Saint Lazare did have an Amazon locker though which was handy, albeit squirrelled away in a weird back corridor which was a bit seedy and took some finding.
Bonjour!
I just left Paris this morning after 4 days/nights. Took the RER A to Disney for another 3 nights before a trip to Chamonix.
Ok I have a super good idea for Les Frenchies.
Review Paris restaurants based on the quality of their restrooms!
I still in shock over the filth, disrepair or lack of toilet seats & paper in the “majority” of restaurants I visited. Even great restaurants with very good food & service have disgusting bathrooms in their basements. I’m baffled by this as it’s a rarity to experience at restaurants in the USA(Massachusetts). Maybe you would find a gross restroom at a sketchy gas station on the side of the highway but not at a restaurant you’re spending $200 at!
Paris restaurants really need to step up their bathroom game. It makes me question the cleanliness of the food and the waitstaff.
I’m a subscriber, let’s see this episode!
Merci beaucoup!😊
To go to Disney Paris you have to take RER A.
You obviously have not been to NYC. Laughable.
We were in Paris a week ago, there were so many police officers around everywhere we went, we saw them checking IDs of folks in multiple metro stations, and as the result, pick pockets were no where to be found. Still grateful for this video, and the increased police presence may not last beyond the Olympics.
I m surprised not to see Gare du Nord in this list which is basically the meeting point for "gangs" coming from some of the most infamous suburbs...
Thank you for your service to tourists to Paris!
Cite is my favorite Metro stop in Paris, just thinking of riding the Metro brings a smile to my face. Getting off at Cite is a cultural and historical experience.
The cité station is deserted, very few people get off there. Above there is "la Sainte Chapelle". This station is really very close to the Saint-Michel station which is very touristy (visit the square and the Huchette district but avoid the restaurants in this district)
This was a great video! I personally enjoyed experiencing all the metro stations but good to know the risks for future visits.
We stayed at Hotel Bienvenue which was almost in the middle of the 2nd, 9th and 10th Arr. and used the Cadet (7) and Notre-Dame-de-Lorette (12) stations to get everywhere in Paris. It worked out great! The Cadet station was probably our most used and got us anywhere in Paris in about 20 minutes or less.
That's a good (and simple area). Cheers.
Coleen & Antoine. What can i say? Another great lesson on getting the best of Paris. 22 years ago, we had to use the Montparnasse station (we were staying nearby for a business trip. We had to schlep out daughter's stroller FOREVER through the station. You tell it like it is, both the good and the bad! LOL Please don't stop, because you make the visit to Paris wonderful. Mike
L4 from Montparnasse to the Gare de Nord is the worst. When you get out at Nord you can see the lookouts and thieves eyeing everyone up. My advice: look poor, walk very fast as if you know where you're going (even if you don't) or, better still, leave 1h+ connection time and take the bus. 100% agree that Les Halles is best avoided. St Lazare - well, actually, I guess that's my favourite terminus, but I tend to arrive/leave by bus.
Not a fan of line 4 in general, it seems dirty and is confusing too, from what I remember.
I don't like so much line 4 but to get access to some train stations (Gare du nord, Gare de l'Est) you have to take line 4.
"Look poor?" Ridiculous.
@@LUIS-ox1bv Well, don't go waving flashy cameras and i-phones around - you know perfectly well what I mean
@@louisacoote2337 Line 4 is one of the best in terms of hygiene and overall comfort, what are you on about
Another excellent and useful video, guys! However, here's what I don't understand: For the Metro stations with the biggest pickpocket problems, plus other notorious "pickpocket areas" (Sacre Coeur, for example), why won't the City assign more police to these locations? If the issue is budgetary, couldn't the City raise the hotel tax slightly (say, 0.08%) to offset the costs for additional, dedicated law enforcement personnel at these specific locations?
Thank you for the tips
You bet!
I abhor Les Halles, I still get lost/confused there after over 30 years of living in Paris. The arrows make you go round in circles and there are 589 exits. I like to get off at Concorde and go to the English bookshop then walk up to Chatelet.
Instead of Anvers or Pigalle, I prefer Abbesses as it's usually less crowded than the line 2 Stations,
Trocadero is another nice alternative to Bir Hakim. Your 1st view of the Effiel Tower from across the Seine is a great place for photos as well.
Other stations to avoid if changing lines - Republique, Franklin Roosevelt, Concorde & Bastille.
Abbesses is great except when the lift is not working and you have to go up a zillion steps!
Bonjour mes amis,
Another great video - thank you!
I have a request: Could you make a video that talks about the cities that are immediately adjacent / border to Paris. It seems like those parts are rarely discussed when talking about Paris, but there are some great spots!
Thanks!
Although I wasnt pickpocketed during my study away in Paris, I intuitively recognized much of these stations were inconveinent and unpleasant during daily commute. Very glad you've addressed and offered alternative routes/stations!
You're welcome
A much-needed video!!! I love that you two tell it like it really is!
Paris resident here: I would also avoid the following stations (especially after dark):
Barbes-Rochechouart, La Chapelle, Stalingrad, Strasbourg St Denis, Belleville
I could probably add quite a few more, but these are the first that come to mind, in addition to the ones listed in the video.
Strasbourg-St-Denis and Belleville ? Where do you come from ? When you hang out at night some of the best places to go are around these stations. You are a bourgeois from the west arrondissement ? Even Barbes and La Chappelle are not that bad. Porte de la Villette, Porte de la Chapelle, or if you want porte de Clignacourt sometimes. Stalingrad it depends but there are a lot of place to hang out around this station. Tell me ! You go to old fashionned area like the cgamps-elysee or Saint-Michel to go out at night. Cool kids are going to Pigalle, Belleville, Stasbourg-Saint-Denis, Republique, Menilmontant. You don-t know Paris or you are very old and old fashioned
For the Eiffel Tower, the station Trocadero (on line 6) is not bad. You have a nice view on the landscape and you can go to the tower crossing Trocadero garden. It is relaxing, because you go down a series of stairs and you pass by Art Deco fountains.
I wanted to cross Trocadero garden, but it was closed for Olympics.
@@MrTuxracer I am sorry. Next time you come to Paris (it is also the case for Place de la Concorde and other performance spots...).
Hugely helpful. Thank you.
Superb suggestions as always, Antoine and Colleen. Essential for anyone traveling to Paris --- and particularly those who are planning to attend the Summer Olympics. It may be worth a check beforehand to ensure all subway stations will be open during the Olympics. Just a thought. Hope you are well! All the best from NYC ! Cheers!
La gare des Halles est la plus grande gare souterraine d’Europe. Je la prend souvent et jamais eu le moindre problème. Mais sur les 1,4 million de passager par jour et 120 trains par minute aux heures pleines, il est certain que cela doit arriver.les conseils sont bons.
Indispensable information! Je vous remercie.
I have been to Paris quite a few times, don't know exactly, it may be eight times or so. And I have used some of the mentioned stations like Averse , Port de Clingnancourt or Bir Hakiim. Never had any issues there, and I never had a problem with pickpockets or other scams. Don't know if I only was lucky. But good advice to take care always.
Great advice and enjoyable video 👍👍❤️
we visited Paris in late May through the middle of June and used several of your recommendations - thanks so much for making our trip so much more pleasant with all your tips and suggestions!
I went to at least half of these stations while in Paris about a month ago. No one tried to pick pocket me, but I was traveling alone with no backpack or luggage (with the exception of when I arrived from Normandy and leaving for the airport). I guess the good thing about traveling alone, I am more aware of my surroundings, because I do not have someone with me to distract me or look out for as well. I was always scanning my surroundings, and keeping in mind where the nearest exit was, god forbid I had to make a run for it. Do you think pickpockets happen more to people in groups, or people that are alone?
They target more asian tourist.
@@Lodai974 This is tragic considering the very low crime rates in some Asian countries such as Japan and Korea and Singapore. Their nationalities must have a hard time when they come to Europe for the first time. I have seen them in some European cities walking around with cameras and bags hanging all over their person sticking out like a sore thumb and being obvious tourists, worse still rich obvious tourists. Hopefully they tend to go about in large groups and that some lively lads in their group will give any thieves a hard time.
Montmartre was the worst one we found, loads of kids almost like gangs waiting to pick someone off!! Get off at the stop before and walk a bit..
very true
I actually went to Bir-Hakeim during our trip last year on July 1 to do some métro photos both in the station and close to the bridge using my 75-300 mm lens. First full day we were there, wound up at Châtelet to catch one last ride on the MP 59 trains on Ligne 11 and coming from Ligne 4, never had any trouble finding my way. Both times I've been to Paris, I felt like I was home. We also did Porte de la Villette station when we went to the science museum, and luckily it was uneventful. The T1 tram ride from La Courneuve to go to Saint Denis was a little more sketchy, but we were okay. Also, what station were you at for part of your countdown, looks like a nice photos spot to photograph metro trains.
Salut de Montréal! :)
at 4:49??? "Palais royal Musée du Louvre" Line 7 station.
St Michel and Cité station on Line 4 have same sight of wiew.
in suburbs all stations in the blue branch (Villejuif) line 7 have mezzanine ,and some stations in Line 14.
We have just returned from a wonderful week in Paris, with some great tips from your channel!
We caught the train from CDG to St Germain where we were staying, and it was very tight and crowded, with some stops looking obviously much rougher than others, but unavoidable to travel through.
Didn't spot any pick pockets, but did have someone approach with a petition later in the trip.
Thanks for all your tips, watched the video about pick pockets with my teen kids beforehand.
On the metro, even putting your phone in your front jeans pocket is not safe. A pickpocket timed his lift right before the train door closes, so he ran off with the phone just as the train door closed and left the station. Lesson learned: when you get on the train - get in quickly and walk further into the train (not stand near the door) and keep your hands over your pockets. The thieves have practiced their timing many many times.
Bonjour!
Les Halles station is huge and confusing! I don’t like it either. The only time I go there while in Paris is when I want to go to the big parapharmacie they have there. But that is close to street level.
I just don’t get it about the pickpockets! Paris is such a beautiful city, how come the government doesn’t do anything to get rid of that scum? They are everywhere and they are easily spotted. Why aren’t they arrested or deported? Yes, because most of them are immigrants. I am not being xenophobic, it’s a fact that most pickpockets are people who come from other countries who have no skills and no job. They are everywhere in European cities! Politicians need to take care of this!
As always, Antoine and Colleen, thank you for a very informative video!
Merci et bonne journée!
You sound just like those upset about the brazen pickpockets in the subways of Rome. There is a price people pay for, " diversity," PC,wokeness, and tolerating the intolerable.
Other alternatives to Anvers are :
Pigale : but it not much better. Same problem. A bit less though.
Barbès-Rochechouard : a lot of shaddy figures but they sell contraband cigarettes. They are not pick-pockets and are not dangerous.
Abbesse : the best if you want to visit Montmartre. But beware, the stairs never ends. There is a lift though. So except if you are an athlete, take the lift.
Some other less well known alternatives to visit Montmartre are Lamack-Caulaincourt (same thing with the stairs), Jules Joffrin and Château Rouge (a lot of poor people there but a nice place anyway, very crowdy too but from there you can go easily go to La rue du Chevalier de la Barre which is a very nice and impressive way to climb the Butte Montmartre.
And there is Blanche or Place de Clichy too, if you want to go to the Butte through the picturesque Montmartre cemetery.
These videos have been brilliant - I was in Paris for two weeks in June and felt really prepared thanks to Les Frenchies - had a great trip and no problems mostly from following the advice on this channel
Yup I agree with this list. I am blessed because I've been to Paris about 10 times and have stayed there long term and I'm proud to say that I've never stepped in dog poop (back in the day it was all over the sidewalks before people get fined) and I've never had a pick pocket attempt happen to me.
Back in the day Paris was shockingly full of 💩💩💩💩😂😂. Glad to hear it's improved. Might go back in the autumn. Not been for a few years.
@@jackiedelvalle it's very nice. You don't have to worry where you step and the last time I was there the metro stations didn't have a pissy smell either.
BONJOUR!! Currently potentially planning a trip to paris in Sept again. Always helpful with your content. They helped me a lot 2yrs ago and really appreciated updates and new content like this one!! Thank you so much!!
Thank you both for these informative videos, they are a gift 💛
you're very welcome!!
Coming from Buenos Aires Argentina, Paris felt like Disneyland even in the most sketchy areas. We're used to a lot worse
We just got back last night from two weeks in France. Your videos were very, very helpful. I was worried about using the metro but once you understand it all goes well. Well--almost. Had a RER train stop at about 10:00 pm and we had no idea why since we were the only people on the train. We used the Bir-Hakeim to start our journeys from the Pullman Hotel. I was overly worried about pickpocketing but after a few days I got the feel and saw the habits of Parisians and just do what they do. Used the SNCF app for online ticketing on RER to Caen and worked fine on Iphone.
Thank you!!
I live in the 9th, I have used metro station Anvers for the last 25 years and I have never been pickpocketed (but I have in the 7th). What is indeed frightening with Anvers is it is packed during the tourist season and there is only one entry, so in case of a panic…. But Blanche is far away ! As to tourists traps what about the « bonneteau » games on rue de Steinkerque (the street leading from Anvers to the Sacré Coeur) ? Avoid that street, there are others !
chatelet les halles is a good station, even if it's big and crowded. If you don't want to be a cible for pickpockets, just don't act like a tourist. I am alone and i go outside at night and no one try to rob me because i look poor and i look like someone of the town, so people don't mind. But i often see people who are trying to scam asians people and english because they don't pay attention, or are grabbing bags from Hermes shop. It's easy to see they will be robbed. But it's true that some ways are like jungles, scammers everywhere, they often stop people and tell them stories to win money, but at the end sometimes when they have children with them we can think they tell a true story and we want to help them, but often it's scam. But it's true that there are many migrants who are really poor, and that is these people we need to help, but the good people don't beg in an offensive way, they don't beg at all but you can recognize them because they have nowhere to go
Being aware, assertive and confident, is preferable then the ridiculous advice on looking, " poor." One should be able to dress in Paris or in any other European city without compromising on one's level of taste or fashion. One can be street smart and smartly dressed. Leave the urban jungle wear or peasant chic to the ones with paranoia.
I am going to Paris this September, and this is my 2nd time ( first time was last year ) I fell in love with Paris. It is most atractive city. Thank you for all informations. It has been very helpful for me!!!!
Amazing!
I have an American expat friend in Paris who told me that he never uses the Metro, always walking instead, saying that it always saves time.
It really depends on where you’re going. The Metro isn’t faster if your destination is a short way away, but a 40-minute walk can be a 15- or 20-minute Metro ride. Your friend is missing out!
Paris itself is a big city. From Etoile (west of Paris city) to Nation (East of Paris city) it will take more than 2 hours of walk.
Hi Les Frenchies, thank you so much for the tips! This video is absolutely a life saver for me! I will take your advice in mind when going to Paris in December this year.
These days the best way to avoid pickpockets is to have nothing in your pocket. I wear a money belt and carry my phone in my hand. If I’ve had to use cash (unlikely these days) I’ll keep less than €20 in a front pocket but that’s all. I’ve been to Europe 20 times and have visited Paris countless times and have never even had an attempted pickpocketing. The line time I was pickpocketed was on the Barcelona metro where I lost my expensive sunglasses but the guy was overconfident so I quickly caught him and got them back.
Excellent ! This is a must see video ! ❤❤
You hit my most hated metro station straight off the top-Les Halles. I have always hated that station, you’ve got the metro and RER going through there and for me just too much going on.
A great alternative to Anvers is Abbesses. Abbesses is one of the few stations that still has the old Art Nouveau metalwork. Don’t take the route with the sign towards the funicular but walk walk up the stairs toward Montmartre, it’s a very pleasant walk.
I agree with you about Porte de Clingnacourt-the walk from the metro to the markets (marché aux puce de Sté Ouen) is dodgy. Last time in Paris I discovered the bus. Can’t remember the number but there is one that drops you off at marché vernaison.
we love the Abbesses station for Montmartre
If you want to see the pickpocket techniques, you can't go past the 1959 film Pickpocket directed by Robert Bresson, the technical advisor was a successful pickpocket and appears in the film. Plus the great shots of paris in 1959.
When I was a student in Paris in my 20s, Les Halles was THE place to hang out. All the youth fashion shops, every kinda trash fast food (Quick, McDs, BK, those vans selling merguez frites, etc). We'd be there pretty much daily hanging out people watching. Now in my 50s, I'd probably look at similar young people doing similar things and think they were sketchy! 😂😂😂
Same here. I was 18 and for the first time in Paris in 1994. First imprassion when in Paris in my late forties: we were not that noisy😀
Trust me, it is NOT because you are older, it is the people who hang out there who have changed. I avoid it like the plague.
@@Mir-wx5ui That's not true ! People have not changed ! Perhaps you have changed ! It's all about racism in fact. Everybody knows that the halles during the 80's was a rough place. Now it's a very crowded place with people from all arounnd paris suburbs. Blacks, arabs, asians, whites from the suburbs but cool kidsfrom Paris too. This is the place to hang out for paris youth. Except for racist and hardcore bourgeois people. Perhaps you are one of them
@@languerouge5385 Sure, everything is the fault of "racism"
Thanks again ! great video,, I used Absesses instead of Anvers last trip,, no uphill climb ! Reservations made for Le Petit Pontoise and Camille per your recent video Thanks again !
great plans!!
this is a great video and thank you for the tips!
" down and down and down to the center of the earth " sounds so scary!. I love your videos. They're so informative
Cannot wait to return to Paris next time. Visited last month, and was so lost at first navigating different Metro exits, always choosing the wrong one and walking forever
Gosh spoils the joy of visiting Paris
Thank you, such a great video! Love your channel!
Thank you so much!
I went in February and didn't see anything bad in the metro. Can't say the same about the airport. The RER area was crowded, confusing, machines were old. At the Port Royal station I passed the turnstile and a man followed right behind me without paying. The RER arrival area at the airport had a lot of scammers and people who were not there to travel.
the airport is pretty bad
A lot of people don't pay, passing just behind you, not even asking for permission. It's rude.
I have never experienced scammers. People asking something? First rule in Paris, never stop to speak to someone you don't know.
We somehow messed up at the CDG Etoile station. Put in our ticket, went thru the turnstiles, and walked a short way. Confronted another set of turnstiles in all directions. Folks in front of us freaking out as they used their last ticket. A kind subway worker let us all thru. No one seems to know what we did. Will check it out someday on another trip.
the French have a knack for making everything overly complicated 🤦♂️
Get a grip. I'm a long time Paris resident. The title here is pure clickbait. Dont be easilly put off. I've been here 20 years and never been pickpocketed. The claim of needing to descend to 'Centre of The Earth' for the new RER E is laughable. It's 2 escalators down at Saint Lazare and my new regular station at Porte Maillot and either takes less than a minute. Also the new RER E stations and trains are immaculate. Bir-Hakim dangerous? Hardly. I would only agree that Chatelet/Les Halles can be confusing to navigate due to its sheer size.
Agree. I even think Chatelet-Les Halles is fine.Personally, I quickly figured out the exits as a foreigner. But I do believe that Porte de Clignancourt is a very unpleasant station, definitely should avoid.
j'ai volé 3 fois en 10 ans (porte feuilles et papiers) je suis aussi representatif que vous...et en france il faut 6 mois pour refaire ses documents et contrairement a ce qu'ils disent, les photocopies de cni ne sont pas acceptées etc
I live in Paris area since 60yrs and i have never seen pickpockets. Probably they know i 'm broke so they avoid me. Never put your money in a bag, always close you pockets..
@@bertrandheraud8566 On ne m'a jamais rien volé personnellement et je vis en région parisienne depuis des décennies. Je fais très attention à ne pas laisser accessible mon portefeuille à un pickpocket. Idéalement il faut qu'il soit dans une poche intérieure fermée par une fermeture éclair.
@@bertrandheraud8566vous avez volé ou vous vous êtes fait voler? Et on peut refaire faire ses documents en 3-4 jours ouvrés en urgence, 2-3 semaines en temps normal. Si on n'est pas français, un passeport provisoire peut nous être délivré dans la journée.
George V is also filled with scammers to rob tourists. I'd advise getting out at Argantine instead, it's one station after Etoile but it's much calmer.
For Montparnasse, if you want to get to the train station from Line 4, just exit directly at Odessa exit and finish the way by foot, you'll have much less stairs, unless it rains heavily...
As for connections, Lines 4 and 12 are under Bvd Montparnasse, their connection is easy, Lines 6 and 13 are just on the North West corner of the station, their connection is easy.
Those two couples of stations used to be two different stations until 1942 when the huge corridor was dug to unite the two.
If you want to change with Line 6 from the 4 or vice versa, prefer Raspail, two stations further, if you want to change from 6 to 12 or vice versa, prefer Pasteur, although quite long and with many stairs, there are much less people and you won't get lost. If you are in the vicinity of the station and want to take Line 13 from the North, prefer taking it at Duroc. If you are South of the station, prefer Gaîté. Same for Line 6, Edgar Quinet station is just near the station, near the many crêperies you can find there. For Line 4, Vavin is very close, Eastward on the boulevard.
To visit Montmartre, prefer going from Line 12 at Lamarck or Abesses, you can go downhill from there.
For Châtelet/Les Halles changes, if you come from Line 7 and want to change with Line 4, prefer taking another ticket, exit near the Seine, cross the bridge and take Line 4 at Cité, the transfer is approx the same distance but has the benefit of the view and not that many stairs and corridors.
Line 7 also has nearby stations at Pont Neuf, Palais Royal or Pont Marie. Lines 11 and 1, prefer Hôtel de Ville.
For St Lazare area, if you are coming from Line 3 to take RER E, change at Havre Caumartin, Line 3 maps don't mention that transfer -showed only from Line 9 but it will take you from the Line 9 platforms to a direct entrance to RER E, it's much more convenient than in St Lazare.
St Lazare transfers are as follows: 3 to 13 and 14 : easy. 3 to 12, long, Line 12 is on the other side of the concourse, Line 13 being right in the middle and Line 3 to the West.
Line 9 is a side addition via Line 14 platforms, if you are on Line 3 to change to 9, prefer Havre Caumartin, it's very short.
Also between Line 3 and RER A at Auber, in one direction, prefer changing at Opéra and on the other at Havre Caumartin for shorter transfers, the RER station is filling the gap between those two metro stations.
One other station I would recommend to avoid for Tourists is République, very dirty, badly maintained and sketchy people (and a lot of protesters as well).
Lines 5 to 8, better take Bastille although it can be quite long there, Line 5 to 9, Oberkampf is much better unless you don't like stairs but it's way shorter and less crowded.
Lines 3 to 11, prefer Arts & Métiers, much shorter and less crowded.
To take metros, Line 3 has the Temple station very nearby (less used station on Line 3), Line 5 also has Jacques Bonsergent, Line 8 has Filles du Calvaire.
If you are in the Opera or Palais Royal sector, prefer Pyramides to Opéra, that stations features step free access for the ticket hall and Line 14, that line offers lots of transfers and is very fast from one side of the city to the other, also, it recently gave access to Orly airport.
Nicely done. I got pickpocketed entering the Metro in 1989 and wish I had seen something like this before riding then.
Thank you
I didn't know about Ch Les Halles. I took the RER train from Ch de Gaulle to that stop in order to get into Paris, have lunch, then get a G7 to the train for Bordeaux. I didn't have a problem. I must have lucked out. Enjoyable. My own difficult station is Châtelet.
Chatelet Les Halles is a maze of levels, sections, and exits … I always dread having to change lines there. I once spent an hour trying to find a shop that was supposed to be next to a particular exit … when I finally found it, it turned out the shop was closed. 😂
I agree about the Les Halles station 100%…I almost got lost inside, because even Google maps’ clear instructions are tough to follow when a crowd of humans is pushing you in the wrong direction!
Instead of Saint-Lazare, don’t use Opéra, use Madeleine or Havre-Caumartin, which are much closer to Saint-Lazare. Just IMHO. I live in those “dreaded” northern suburbs (which I promise is not all sketchy) so I’m in Saint-Lazare pretty much every day of the week, and it’s not really that confusing, but it felt a bit overwhelming the first time I went there, so I get it!
Saint-Lazare and Montaparnasse-Bienvenue are the worst! I always try to avoid them!
You can't avoid it. Montparnasse is a train station and 4 metro lines are passing there.
We were at Charles de Gaulle - Étoile at around 11:30 PM, after completing the Big Bus night tour, that ends at Arc de Triomphe. I would have definitely avoided, had I known this beforehand.
yeah, it's not a great station!
I'm a hard-core Parisian. I totally agree with your list. For example, I always use the Etienne Marcel trick (you shouldn't have told, now lots of people will come ;-)
I use the very big stations like Chatelet, Montparnasse or Saint-Lazare only when I know the way accross and that I can have a short connection (you learn some tricks when you use the metro a lot for decades...).
There is one which is my least favorite of all which is not on your list : Auber. I had to take it for a while (there was no other connection possible without considerable delays) and it was awful. But I reckon there are not many tourists there : a lot of touristy places around but a lot of better stations to go there. And I confess that I've not been there since the renovations a few years ago.
Lol you are spot on about Bir Hakeim. When I was there, I was like "is this the station closest to the Eiffel? Why is it so ugly and difficult to use?"
You can add Stalingrad, Porte de La Chapelle, Strasbourg Saint Denis especially after 10pm (pickpocket, drunken men or junkies,…)
Drunken men are everywhere in metro after 10pm.
@@richardheiville937
I agree.
But some of them (old tramps) are not dangerous.
Hello. Thanks for the video and the tips. I agree with most of your station list. But Palais Royal is crowded with piclpockets too because its in front of Louvre Museum
It's a beautiful station, a bit away from Le Louvre, and I have NEVER seen pickpockets there. But in the Plaza at Comédie Française
In order to discover Montmartre, I would suggest the station Abbesses, on line 12. It is located mid-slope and I think that more and more visitors appreciate it because when I take this line at Saint-Lazare station it is usually crowded, but after Abbesses station the metro is half-empty...
I just got back from Paris. Was there with my US tweens from 7/14-7/16. It was lovely. It was almost empty. The Olympics have shut down a lot of streets. Tons of police presence and it was super clean! 😅
Excellent video. Thank you
Antoine: I am surprised since your english accent is fantastic, congratulations
so true and helpful for tourists.
As a parisian, I really like the Abbesses Station for Montmartre instead of Pigalle or Anvers.
On the other side of Montmartre, Lamarck - Caulaincourt ou Jules Joffrin are great too, more authentic.
as a french man i can give you these tips:
1/ as taking the metro watch your wallet and get your purse in front of you
2/ some "romanian" in the street may ask you to sign papers for poor child for example...walk away !
3/ near the "tour eiffel" or montmartre there's often some men who plays "bonto" a game where you hide a marble in three glasses and you have to guess where the marble is.. walk away !they will trap you with accomplices who wins every time !!
4/ if you are wearing an expensive watch or a gold collar let them in your hotel because thieves are attracted by this
5/when you are strolling with a lot of luxury goods bought in boutique be carefull if several girls ( in general what we call in france "roms" ) come to you and use pretext of something to look for your goods
i hope these tips won't afraid you to come to this marvelous city of paris !
Another negative, you get no idea the layout of the city. The bus gives you a chance to learn your way around.
And walking, if the weather's nice.
very true
Metro is not good to know the town (you cannot connect places, they seem unrelated) but metro is good to go fastly to one place to another. Buses can be slow because the jam traffic.
How much would you take for this single Paris Metro ticket? "Best I can do is two euros." Haha, I have visited Paris twice before and your video is pretty spot on! I guided my family safely through the system and nobody lost anything.
I wish I had this video from when I went in January. I was pickpocketed at the Anvers statin in Montemartre
Bonjour Les Frenchies! I HAD to go through LES HALLES in March! It was a Madhouse! Never again! So complex and confusing. Luckily I had my Parisian friends to guide me! ♥
Thanks. Love your videos!
I usually take RER B from de Gaulle and get off at St. Michel-Notre Dame. I’ve never had trouble but I carry things in my front pack or small pack under my jacket but it’s good to know.
RER B don't pass to Charles De Gaule Etoile station. It's RER A. RER A to Chatelet Les Halles, then RER B to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame.
@@richardheiville937 I was referring to CDG airport !
So yes, I DO take the RER B from de Gaulle AIRPORT!
@@beckystout2231 Ok, i was thinking you was speaking of Charles de Gaulle Etoile station. And that's right RER B is passing to an airport.
For Montparnasse : only line 6 or bus. For the connexion between gare du nord and Montparnasse : RER B to Denfert then line 6 to Montparnasse: avoid line 4 crowdy, longer (even with the automatic train) and with the long connexion with the train in Montparnasse
I went to Les Halle’s just so I could see what you were talking about. 😊
Saint-Denis was the scariest station I've ever visited. The cathedral is amazing - but the area is not safe.
That is a gross exaggeration.
There are several Saint-Denis metro stations in Paris area. (four stations if i remember). Most of them are not in Paris but in the city of Saint-Denis. "Strasbourg Saint-Denis" is in Paris (it's far away from Saint-Denis city)
A mostly Muslim suburb. A shame, since the church of St.Denis bears the distinction of not only being the very first example of the Gothic style in Europe, but the final resting place of a few French Monarchs, such as Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
@@LUIS-ox1bv It's a shame only for racists. la basilique de Saint-Denis existe encore.
@@richardheiville937 Sorry, the one where the Cathedral is located
A Parisien since I was born, and so were my grand-grand parents ☺️. Useful video and indeed I would avoid Châtelet, Clignancourt, Anvers, La Villette if I can. Pickpockets have been particularly active for years at rush hours on metro lines 8 and 9 between Opera / Invalides and Havre Caumartin / Franklin Roosevelt respectively. They are youngsters from Eastern Europe, act in groups, and jump off the train right when the doors close. Have to be extra careful there, saw them in action so many times.